Flu declared widespread in Pa.; death count doubles

The latest report shows flu taking the steep climb that often follows holiday gatherings and the beginning of the new year.

David Wenner has worked for The Patriot-News/PennLive since 1999 and has won numerous awards for his reporting. He often writes about health care as well as breaking news. He appreciates knowing about any important, troubling or otherwise newsworthy situation in central Pennsylvania. He can be reached at dwenner@pennlive.com or 717-255-8172.

(Harrisburg) — For the first time this flu season, flu is hitting people in virtually all parts of the state, according to an update by the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday.

While there is no sign this flu season will be anywhere near as bad as 2017-18, the state received reports of four more deaths, doubling the number it had received as of a week earlier.

Four of the deaths involved people 65 or older and three involved people 50 or older. None involved anyone 18 or younger.